Cracking a 440 block....

[1974dodgecharger]

I have many stories from their granfathers, fathers, sisters, brothers who had a 440 with 1200HP and it cracked and was told a 440 block can handle only 700HP.

How true is this that a block is good for 700HP? 

Does anyone have 1st hand experience on cracking a 440 block somehow someway that was way over 700HP?

[Kern Dog]

As the ignition of the mixture forces the piston down, the side loads of the rods tend to make the crankshaft move around. The aftermarket main bearing caps  and stud girdles surely help but the webbing in the block cannot be strengthened. Aftermarket blocks are cast with more material in these areas to resist deflection.

[1974dodgecharger]

thx Kern Dog for that info....

[Kern Dog]

Absolutely. I'm not all about being a dick no matter what Lennard thinks. 

[alfaitalia]

Absolutely. I'm not all about being a dick no matter what Lennard thinks. 

.....lol....to be honest I've noticed that your last few posts have all been offering sound, actual advise (titties and Brazilians accepted!!!). Are you well Sir?

[Challenger340]

I have many stories from their granfathers, fathers, sisters, brothers who had a 440 with 1200HP and it cracked and was told a 440 block can handle only 700HP.

How true is this that a block is good for 700HP?  

Does anyone have 1st hand experience on cracking a 440 block somehow someway that was way over 700HP?

Stock Blocks ?
Yep, the webbing between the bottom of the Cyl's down to the Mains let's go, assuming a guy don't catch other Main problem's first? or, the low Oil Pressure condition that presents first as it cracks through the Gallery.
It is a cumulative thing over time..... they don't let go immediately or anything.
But If Not found ?
Pretty messy stuff that can best define Block CATASTROPHIC FAILURE for the record books ?

The used up Mopar Blocks make great conversation pieces for the Cheb guys to come over and gloat ? Coffee/Beer tables ? Dock/Boat anchors ? you know.... all the other uses typically reserved for Ford Blocks ? 

[c00nhunterjoe]

Im running a cracked/repaired 440 block. It happens. Horsepower is 1 derivative. Traction, 4 speeds and or transbrakes help the matter. Lol

[c00nhunterjoe]

Absolutely. I'm not all about being a dick no matter what Lennard thinks. 

You too? I always enjoy conversations and debates with you. I have been labeled as well. I think we are quite likeable guys. Anybody want to join me for a beer and talk race cars?

[John_Kunkel]

Common failure point is cracks in the main bearing webs, I've had them crack at nowhere near 700 hp.

[PRH]

IMO, the limit for anything I would consider reasonably "reliable" out of a stock 440 block is 600-ish hp, and the less stroke/compression the better.

I think that pic of Johns is a perfect illustration of what happens with them.

[1974dodgecharger]

wow....great info.....thx again guys....very interesting...

im debating in my head build a 440 to slop around in for awhile until money is available for the big dog HEMI I want.....which is 3 years savings 

[john108]

I don't know if it means anything but the '76 440 block I used for my build has more external ribs than my original '68 440 block.  I believe I saw information on the 440 source website discussing modifications in the blocks through t he years.